Father and son meet
Syrup Village · Kaya Manor
Warm sunlight streamed through the windows of the glass conservatory, falling on the two of them.
Kaya's slender fingers rested on the wound on Usopp's shoulder, her fingertips trembling slightly, tears welling in her eyes, yet her voice carried a gentle reproach:
"It's always like this... it always makes me so worried I can't sleep."
Usopp scratched his head, revealing a somewhat silly smile. This time, he didn't make any boastful claims, but instead spoke solemnly:
"Don't worry, Kaya! I'm different now! I'm really strong! Look--"
As he spoke, he carefully removed the military medals from his chest and placed them one by one into Kaya's palm.
Those heavy medals bear the marks of countless battles and smoke, and also witness the journey of a boy growing into a soldier step by step.
Kaya stared blankly at the medal in her palm, tears finally streaming down her face.
But she smiled, a smile as radiant as a flower.
"Idiot... coming back safely is the most important thing..."
Usopp's nose tingled with emotion, but he nodded vigorously. "Yes, I promise you."
--
Outside the door, Kaya's parents and Merry were warmly welcoming Luffy and Nami.
When they learned that the seemingly lively and unrestrained young man in front of them was actually a rear Rear Admiral, they almost knocked over their teacups.
"Rear Admiral?! Such a young Rear Admiral?! Truly, heroes emerge from among the young!!"
Luffy chuckled, a snack still stuffed in his mouth. "Hehe~"
Nami, on the other hand, spoke to them in a natural and generous manner, cleverly buying the two of them more quiet time.
After a while, the door to the greenhouse slowly opened.
Usopp walked out, holding Kaya's hand, his expression solemn and his tone carrying a hint of pride. "Kaya, this is Luffy —my superior, and also my brother!"
This is Nami, our Navy's most skilled navigator!
Kaya gave a slight bow, her voice clear and sincere. "Thank you for taking care of Usopp all this time."
Luffy grinned broadly. "Usopp is amazing! He's saved so many of his comrades!!"
Nami added softly, "Yes, he's our most important sniper right now."
At that moment, a look of satisfaction and pride flashed in Usopp's eyes.
Just then, the old steward Merry, stepped forward and suggested with a smile, "Why don't you all stay for lunch? Let us properly entertain the heroes of Syrup Village."
The group exchanged smiles and readily agreed.
At the same time.
On the distant shore, a dilapidated little boat rocked and swayed as it approached the land amidst the waves.
A man slowly stepped onto the beach and looked up at the village not far away.
The familiar trees, stone paths, and fishing nets seem to have remained unchanged from more than a decade ago.
Yasopp took off his hat and gazed at everything silently, his eyes filled with complex emotions.
"Finally... you're back."
Laughter and cheers drifted on the wind from the direction of the village, but he only bitterly pressed down the brim of his hat and walked heavily toward his own dilapidated old house.
At lunchtime, Merry personally served a sumptuous meal: grilled fish, fresh vegetable salad, steaming hot stew... The entire long table was filled with the aroma of food.
Kaya even insisted on baking a tray of Vanilla Biscuit herself.
Her hands were red from the heat of the grill, and she almost burned herself. Luckily Nami reacted quickly, gently pulling her away and protecting her, then smiling as she finished the last step for her.
In the Kitchen, two girls chatted and worked, their laughter, clear as silver bells, spilling out from under the door, as if even the air itself was tinged with sweetness.
In the living room, Kaya's parents and Usopp were having a heart-to-heart talk.
When they learned that Usopp was now a naval lieutenant commander and had distinguished himself under Vice Admiral Roy, both elders were filled with surprise and admiration.
"Young and promising! Banchina in heaven would be proud of you."
Upon hearing this, Usopp rose solemnly and bowed, his eyes filled with sincerity:
"If it weren't for the care you and the villagers gave me when I was a child, my mother and I wouldn't have survived those difficult days... Usopp will always remember that."
The two elders exchanged a smile, and the last trace of worry in their eyes vanished: What a grateful child!
At the table, Luffy continued to devour his food, his mouth stuffed full. "So delicious!!"
Kaya n't help but chuckle, while Nami secretly stepped on Luffy's foot under the table, pretending to be serious as she whispered, "Mind your manners, Luffy!"
"Hmm?! Good!"
Luffy gave a vague reply, which made everyone burst into laughter.
The atmosphere was as warm and cozy as a family reuniting after a long separation, with laughter filling the entire restaurant.
After the meal, dappled sunlight streamed through the window, accompanied by the melodious chirping of birds.
Usopp gazed at the familiar village scenery in the distance, a wave of thoughts washing over him. He spoke softly, "I think... I'd like to go back to the old house for a look, and maybe do some cleaning while I'm at it."
Kaya put down her teacup, smiled gently, and said with tender eyes, "Actually... ever since you joined the army, I've been having someone clean the place regularly. It's always been very clean."
Usopp was taken aback by what he heard, his nose tingled, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart.
He took a deep breath, turned around, and solemnly extended his hand. "Then... would you like to go take a look together?"
Kaya's cheeks flushed, and she responded softly, "Mmm..."
Nami and Luffy naturally got up and followed, and the four of them walked out of the manor gate side by side.
Wildflowers swayed in the breeze along the path, emitting a faint fragrance.
The sunlight slanted down, casting long shadows on them.
Usopp and Kaya walked side by side, their pace slow, yet it was as if time had never changed.
The four walked along the country lanes, chatting and laughing all the while.
Usopp enthusiastically told Kaya about the outside world: the strange islands of the Grand Line, the endless yellow sands and dancing oases of Alabasta, the colorful bubbles of the Sabaody Archipelago, and even the dazzling coral forests in the deep sea of Fish-Man Island.
This time, he wasn't weaving fantastical lies, but rather recounting a firsthand adventure.
Kaya listened quietly with a smile, her eyes sparkling.
She knew that the boy before her had long since grown into a true and brave warrior.
The atmosphere along the way was light and warm, with laughter drifting on the wind.
However, as they approached Usopp's old house, the atmosphere suddenly changed.
Usopp and Luffy shuddered almost simultaneously, a sharp red light flashing in their eyes.
Their smiles vanished instantly, their expressions turned cold, and their gazes were fixed on the dilapidated old house in front of them.
"...!!" Usopp instinctively reached out and blocked Kaya's path.
Nami sensed something was wrong and immediately shielded Kaya behind her.
A faint mist enveloped her, the power of the Cloud-Cloud Fruit ready to erupt at any moment.
The wooden door in front of the cottage was slightly ajar, as if it had been waiting for a long time.
The mottled door creaked open, and a figure slowly emerged. The person was thin yet upright, with a unkempt beard and wore a Star Cape.
His eyes were complex and heavy, filled with both guilt and barely suppressed excitement.
When he looked up and his eyes met Usopp's, his voice was hoarse, as if carrying the weight of years:
"Usopp..."
The air seemed to freeze; Usopp's pupils contracted sharply, his throat tightened, and he involuntarily stopped in his tracks.
The father and son, who had not seen each other for more than ten years, finally reunited on this familiar land.